Op/Ed

Affordable Housing Crisis in Florida

Florida is in the midst of an affordable housing
crisis. Unfortunately, our governor and state lawmakers
are only making matters worse.

Our state leaders continue to engage in a
rob-Peter-to-pay-Paul money grab that has contributed to
a shortage of affordable housing across Florida.

Don’t
be confused about the definition of affordable housing.
It’s not strictly housing for poor people. If you spend
more than 30 percent of your income on rent or for a
mortgage, your housing is unaffordable.

What used to be a “South Florida problem” is now
popping up in other communities throughout the state.

Unfortunately, the bottom line is that fewer
Floridians can afford a home. Salaries simply aren’t
keeping pace with the rising costs of rents and
mortgages.

State government has a remedy, the William Sadowski
Housing Trust Fund which is a state revenue designated
for affordable housing. It uses doc stamp surcharges on
real estate transactions to help develop more reasonably
priced housing in Florida.

In his proposed 2018-19 budget, Gov. Scott
recommended taking $154 million from the Sadowski fund
to pay for other state expenses.

Floridians need the Sadowski funds to help ensure
reasonably priced housing costs. Affordable housing
provides stability by ensuring employees and businesses
that local workers can live near their jobs.

The good news is that Florida can reverse a long and
devastating trend of budget hijinks. Communicate with
State leaders: “Use the Sadowski’s estimated $322
million for its intended purpose – affordable housing”.

In this upcoming legislative session, state lawmakers
should keep the Sadowski funds intact and spend the
money on options to stem high-priced housing.